Iceland Self-Driving Guide

1. Trip Duration • 3–4 days: Golden Circle + Blue Lagoon • 5–6 days: Golden Circle + South Coast (waterfalls, black sand beach, glacier lagoon) • 7–10 days: Ring Road (entire Iceland loop) • Add 1–2 extra days: Snæfellsnes Peninsula (Kirkjufell Mountain) ⸻ 2. Car Rental Recommendations • General Ring Road: Sedan / SUV (2WD is sufficient) • Highland F-road: Requires 4x4 and water-crossing skills; not recommended for beginners • Must-have insurance: Gravel insurance, sand and ash insurance ⸻ 3. Driving Tips • Speed limits: Urban areas 30–50 km/h, gravel roads 80 km/h, paved roads 90 km/h • Headlights must be on, seat belts for all passengers • Caution: Single-lane bridges, strong crosswinds, roadside sheep; avoid sudden stops for photos ⸻ 4. 8-Day Ring Road Itinerary Day 1: Reykjavik + Blue Lagoon Day 2: Golden Circle (Þingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss Waterfall) Day 3: South Coast waterfalls + Black Sand Beach Day 4: Vatnajökull Glacier + Glacier Lagoon Day 5: East Fjords Day 6: Mývatn Nature Baths + Dettifoss Waterfall Day 7: Akureyri + Seal Coast Day 8: Snæfellsnes Peninsula → Reykjavik